For competitive swimming as well as aquatic fitness activities, such as lap swimming and water aerobics, a
good swimsuit will increase your efficiency in the water, keep you feeling comfortable during your activity,
and stand up better to the deteriorating effects of chlorinated water than most fashion swimsuits.

To select the right suit, first determine the activity for which you'll be wearing the suit most often:

Racing/Competitive swimming which includes both practicing and racing at
either the school or club level

Aquatic Fitness which includes activities such as lap swimming and water
aerobics

Racing/Competitive Swimming

For both training and competition, competitive swimmers need high-performance suits that maximize
speed in the water and improve glide times by reducing drag and increasing water
flow.

Many swimmers buy separate suits for training and competition. For both training and competition,
compression, resulting in a tight fit, is the key.

Sizing

For training, buy your normal size, but realize that the fit will be snugger than that of a regular
fashion swimsuit

For competition, consider buying a suit at least one size smaller than your training suit

Construction

Support

Swimsuits for both training and competition support through compression

Lining

Suits for top-level competition are not lined, since reducing drag is a priority. However, many
men's suits for training are front-lined.

A suit with lining will generally last longer, and hold its shape and color better than an
unlined suit

Styling

Men's competition and training suits have moderately cut leg openings, drawcords in the interior of the
waistband, and side seams of about 3-inches

For men wanting more coverage, training suits with lower leg openings and side seams up to
seven-inches are available, but they are not the norm for training or competition

Fabrication

Although there are many hybrid fabrics for racing/competitive swimming available, most swimsuits for
this sport are done in blends of nylon/spandex. (Lycra is a specific brand of spandex
made by DuPont and is found in many swimsuits.)

Improvements in fiber engineering have resulted in swimsuit materials that are more resistant to
chlorine than ever. Suits for racing/competitive swimming typically use these more durable versions of
nylon and spandex.

Aquatic Fitness

For lap swimming and water aerobics, you will need a suit that provides comfort and freedom of
movement, plus coverage and support

Men will find training suits designed for the competitive swimmer to be most appropriate for lap
swimming for fitness

Fit should be snug but not tight. A good fitting suit will stay in place during vigorous movement, but
not pinch, bind or ride up in the seat.